Kansas Week 8 football picks: Two one-loss squads square off

Tonight is the second night of district play in Kansas high school football. Here are five games to watch.

Week seven record: 4-1

Overall record: 25-10

SM South (2-5) at SM West (3-4)

The Raiders picked up their second victory of the season last week and could build some momentum. However, SM West is also coming off a big victory, their third of the season.

Prediction: SM West 36, SM South 21

Olathe Northwest (4-3) at Olathe East (3-4)

Both teams are coming off losses, but Olathe East’s was much more dramatic. The Hawks fell 49-3 to Olathe North and dropped below .500 again. Olathe Northwest lost by three points to Lawrence.

Prediction: Olathe Northwest 28, Olathe East 14

Blue Valley Northwest (4-3) at Gardner Edgerton (0-7)

BV Northwest looks to bounce back from a 22-point loss to Olathe South and this appears to be a promising situation. Gardner Edgerton enters the second week of district play still looking for its first victory.

Prediction: Blue Valley Northwest 28, Gardner Edgerton 10

Olathe South (6-1) at Blue Valley (6-1)

This is a high-profile battle between two of the elite teams from the Sunflower League and Eastern Kansas League. Both lost in Week 3 and have won four straight since.

Prediction: Olathe South 35, Blue Valley 28

St. Thomas Aquinas (5-2) at Blue Valley West (4-3)

St. Thomas Aquinas and Blue Valley West are the Eastern Kansas League’s top Class 5A teams. They are both coming off victories. The winner of this game gains some momentum down the stretch.

Prediction: St. Thomas Aquinas 28, Blue Valley West 24